Weekly Rundown (6.8.08)

This week's rundown ...

• So we know our choices for President now (Obama or McCain).  I love following national politics and take pride in voting, but regardless of what these two guys say ... Jesus is the answer and the local church is the hope of the world!


• First Wednesday rocked this week.  I left that service so "full" and blown away by God's presence.  


• We have an office in Calhoun!!!  Right downtown, across from the library, behind the "Gem" Theater.  This is going to open up a whole new set of possibilities for us.


• Even though summer attendance is here, we still had more first-time guests today than in a long-time.


• We tried something new today regarding our multi-site approach.  Carll & I both preached ... the same message -- just tailored a little differently.  I can't wait to hear how this went.


• Had a great talk this week with someone about Chatsworth ... PRAY!!  The need and desire for a church like Rock Bridge in Murray County is pretty high.  Hardly a week goes by that I don't hear something ... don't want to get ahead of God but I KNOW God wants His message to spread.


• Pretty tough subject today in church ... faith without works is dead ... that will preach but it ain't comfortable!


• Our students leave on a mission trip to Baltimore to team up with Ellis Prince and Gallery Church.  These kinds of trips really helped give spiritual direction and motivation to my life and we are committed to giving students these type of opportunities.


• People are really hurting because of the economy.


• Beth & I bought bikes this week.  I've been riding 5 times!!  I love it ... but I think my body is in a state of shock.  The River Park in Chattanooga is so cool, Harrison Bay State Park has a good trail by the water, TVA Racoon Mountain is on the tough side, Saul Rasin Woods here in Dalton is a good ride with lots of twists and trails.


• Been thinking a lot about how to expand prayer more throughout our church.  I've really convicted about the church's need to be a place of prayer and for us to do more of this.  Our staff has been studying and focusing on the need for prayer since April's Staff Retreat.  I think it's time for us to lead the church in this ... SO MUCH happens when we pray ... so much DOES NOT happen when we don't!!


• After church and Father's Day lunch next Sunday, I'm going off to study and pray for about 2 days.  I really need this time with God right now.


• I am not sleeping well right now and I don't know why but it really stinks.


• The opening of Stage 123 is approaching and quickly!!  Do realize that by Aug-Sept. we will have 500 MORE seats per service than we do right now?!?!  This is a huge opportunity.  Do realize how cool this space is going to be for our student ministry?!? This is a huge opportunity.  Do realize some things we can do with this space during the week?!? This is a huge opportunity.  I think opportunities are stewardship issues ... let's make the most of these opportunities!